A heat pump is a device used to heat and potentially cool a building using the refrigeration cycle. It consists of a vapor-compression refrigeration unit with optimized heat exchangers and a reversing valve. The reversing valve changes the direction of refrigerant flow, which can be reversed to provide either heating or cooling. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional furnaces and are available for both air and hydronic system applications.
In heating mode, the reversing valve allows the refrigerant to transfer thermal energy from the air and/or ground into the building. The refrigerant then passes through a condenser coil, where it is heated by a fan blowing over the coil, releasing the thermal energy into the building. This process uses less energy than producing heat directly from fossil fuels.
There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Air-source heat pumps are more common and move thermal energy between the air inside and outside your home. The other type, ground-source or geothermal heat pumps, move thermal energy between the earth and a building. These are more expensive to install and operate, but provide better comfort at lower energy costs.
Regardless of the type of Heat Pump, they all share a few key characteristics. They are very efficient, use minimal electricity, and help slash carbon emissions from fossil fuels. They do, however, have a few limitations when it comes to cold climates. In these cases, heat pumps are often combined with furnaces to ensure effective and energy-efficient heating on the coldest days of the year.
Heat pumps can be a great alternative to fossil fuel furnaces in many cases, especially for buildings with existing ductwork. However, heat pumps must be properly sized and installed to provide optimal performance and energy savings. Carrier experts have the knowledge and experience to properly evaluate and select the best heat pump for a space. They consider factors such as ductwork compatibility, site location and elevation, temperature differences, and other environmental conditions to determine the optimal size and placement for the heat pump.
In general, the higher a heat pump’s coefficient of performance (COP), the more efficient it is. This metric measures how much work it takes to transfer a given amount of energy from a low-temperature source to a warm one. A high COP means the heat pump does a good job of warming up a room without having to expend a lot of energy.
Keeping your heat pump in top condition requires regular maintenance. A few of the most important things to do are to change the filter every three months, keep the indoor and outdoor units clean of dust and debris, and have a professional inspection done twice per year. This will ensure that the heat pump is operating at maximum efficiency and to detect problems before they turn into serious issues.